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Hip Dysplasia

Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip (DDH)

This condition includes hip dislocation and poor development of the hip socket in children.

All children are examined at birth, 6 weeks & 6 months by a doctor or health visitor. If there is any doubt as to the stability of the baby’s hip or if there is a significant risk factor for DDH (family history, breech presentation etc.) then the baby will be referred for an ultrasound examination. This will be performed as well as a detailed examination of your baby.

If there is a hip dislocation or the socket is found to be insufficient then a special harness will be used to treat the problem.

Pavlik harness

This will be worn full time for 6 weeks and then it will gradually be reduced such that it will be used only at night for several months. If the treatment fails to control the hip then an attempt to reduce the hip will be made under an anaesthetic and a plaster hip spica applied. If a closed attempt also fails then open surgery will be needed.

Acetabular Dysplasia

This is when the socket of the hip fails to develop properly and if when the child is about 3 years old the development is not satisfactory, surgery will be needed to improve the the state of the hip. This will involve 3-4 days in hospital and 6 weeks in plaster.